§ 15. Mr. JOHN O'CONNORasked the Secretary for State for Foreign Affairs whether the new Government of Russia has published a manifesto completely restoring the Constitution of Finland and annuling the edicts issued during the last eighteen years contrary to Finnish law?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Mr. Balfour)Yes, Sir. The Russian Government published on 20th March a proclamation repealing the principal enactments by which the freedom of Finland had been curtailed, and instructing the Senate of Finland to submit proposals to amend other enactments passed of late years against Finnish laws. The proclamation also grants complete political amnesty, and, besides promising to submit to the Diet of Finland suggestions for a new form of administration and, if necessary, a new Constitution, confirms the rights of the Finns under their present Constitution.
I understand that the people of Finland regard the proclamation as fulfilling all their wishes, and that the Finnish Diet will meet on 4th April. I know how highly the House will appreciate the action of the Russian Government in this matter.
§ Mr. O'CONNORHas the right hon. Gentleman any particular information regarding a somewhat similar proclamation in respect of Polish liberty?
§ Mr. BALFOURI should rather like to have notice of that question.
§ Mr. GINNELLWill the British Govern-men follow, with regard to Ireland, the example of the Russian Government?